Mellow Yellow

Hey kids! Sorry I fell off the Earth since last Wednesday. I was feeling really tired, and have been spending as much time resting and regaining what energy I can in this humid, muggy weather. New Jersey has been hit with a stanky heatwave of humidity and killer thunderstorms, which explains why my hair is up and off my neck.

The only way to get my hair completely out of the way is with a hair donut bun. Since my hair is very long, I use an extra large hair donut and two elastic bands - one for the pony, and one to flatten my hair over the hair donut. 

To get the remaining hair that sticks out from under the bun, I create 3 braids and secure with bobby pins that I wrap around the base of the donut. And, I even added braids on the crown to give it some extra texture. Not too bad for a girl who isn't totally updo savvy, right?

As for the dress, this is the 3rd time I'm wearing it on my blog. It was the first maxi dress I ever bought, and even though it's a couple years old, it's holding up through all the wears and washings I've put it through. Plus, it's incredibly comfortable and breezy. 

Some dresses you just can't let go of... and for me, this is one of em.

 Striped Maxi Dress - Urban Outfitters (old) / Dual Tone Sandals - Target / Camille Laser Cut Bag - c/o Sole Society / House Of Jeffers nameplate necklace - c/o ONecklace.com

Sealed With A Kiss

 

Given my penchant for pink lipstick, there was no doubt in my mind I needed this sparkly sequin lips sweatshirt from Forever 21. I first saw it in November, but it was sold out. I gave up that it would hit the store again...but right before Christmas, it popped up again. Besides for it being doused in sequins, I like the fact that while it's a sweatshirt, it can go casual for dressy. A shirt this sparkly deserved to be paired with other bold, bright and ridiculously pink accessories. 

By the way, it was so stupidly, obnoxiously cold when I took these photos. Well, it's been this way in New Jersey for two weeks. We hit 9 degrees the other day... so yeah, I'd say that puts a damper on taking photos outside.

It would appear that I'm on some type of a shopping roll, since I also scored this purple satchel from Poshmark! This was another one of those blink and you missed it styles that I held out hope on finding.  Reunited... and it feels so good.

Pink Lips Sequin Sweatshirt - Forever 21 / Black Skinny Pants - H&M / Pascha Pumps - Banana Republic / Rhinestone Lanyard Bracelet & Purple Rhinestone Bracelet (similar style) - Henri Bendel / Rings - Brandy Mellville

Don't forget to check out the Indie and Rocker Chic Posh Party I'm hosting on Poshmark this Tuesday!

The Long and Short of Maxi Dresses

Outfit:

Maxi Dress - Forever 21

Gladiator Sandals - DSW

Necklace - Mandee

Shades - bought during my trip to Philly

Love Ring - Topshop

I've had this maxi dress stowed away in my closet for months and finally broke it out last Friday. Originally, it was way to long, but through the wonders of tailoring, it's the perfect length for my short stature.

To be honest, I don't know if I can sport maxis all the time... I'm short, and the length isn't doing much to elongate my body. However, the print is what drew me to the dress, along with the braided features along the neckline and straps. And really - it's hot out. Who wants to wear a long dress in when it's 80 degrees out? This is Jersey, people, not Miami beach. I'm thinking maxi dresses can be a tad much at times...

I'm glad I bought it, though. It's good for a night out or dinner with my Brit.... The verdict is still out on em for me. What's your thoughts on maxi dresses?

Lend Me Your Ears

Outfit:

Vest - Mandee

Striped Tank - Forever 21

Skinny Jeans - Urban Outfitters

Peep Toe Wedges - Nine West

Necklace - Mandee

For people who don't have one, blogging doesn't seem like a big deal. Sure, it's an online diary for all the read, but it takes time, creativity and effort. And I'm gunna be 100% honest when I say that I'm having a creative dry spell...

While yes, I post my outfits and daily musings, I'm thinking that I need to do something that my readers will enjoy. Some fun content....Then again, that's what some of you visit for - my outfits - and I'm 100% grateful for each and every one of you that takes time out of your day to visit House Of Jeffers. I think I just need to find some motivation and creativity, which can be hard when you live in an area that isn't known for its style and is recognized as the place where Jersey Shore is filmed. Some claim to fame, huh?

Has anyone else ever fell into this rut? How'd you get out of it?

I'm also turning to YOU for suggestions. What would you like to see here? Likes/dislkes? Lay it on me! Now that I have more time on my hands (a pro, but I think it's the con in this instance), I hope to give you more!

Day #16 - 30 Day No Shopping Challenge - Half-Way There!

Outfit:

Cardigan - Forever21

Dress - Forever 21

Tights - H&M

Mary Jane Wedges - Office UK

Hello Kitty Necklace - gift from a friend

Just when I was starting to regret my No Shopping Challenge, something happened.

I dropped a stupid amount of money on my car and tickets to see Maroon 5 in August. The car troubles I couldn't avoid, but to sit four rows from Adam Levine - it's worth every penny. Good thing I'm holding out on this challenge as I'm gunna need the money to pay out these two debts. Ah, an upside to not shopping... This thing called saving money!?

Evidentally, I like torturing myself. This means going into stores and trying stuff on only to put everything back as the idea of having to tell my readers that I gave in washes over me. Case in point - I was out getting dinner with Mike when I came across DSW.

"Just want to look," I tell him.
"No," he says firmly. "You're not buying anything."
"I KNOW!" I snapped back.

What transpired was me trying on 4 pairs of shoes in 10 minutess - only to pout my way out of the store in frustration. Is that a record of some sort?

This obviously wasn't enough for me as I had to take a trip to Loehmann's, which I've never been to, and do the same exact thing. Let's just say the remainder of my work day was long...

I guess I'm my own worst enemy. Only 14 more days to go!

Day #14 - 30 Day No Shopping Challenge - Eye Of The Tiger

Just about half way through the No Shopping Challenge - and I'm sad to say I failed...

... to update the blog last Friday, that is. 

I guess in between watching the Royal Wedding and work, I forgot. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention something about William and Kate (as my husband is from England) - loved her dress. But I think Pippa stole the show.

Welcome to my little slice of Great Britain - the door mat in front of my apartment.

Nope, I still haven't shopped! That's not to say the urge has not been strong. No trips to the mall either. My friends have been really shocked to hear this as they know how much of a shopping junkie I am.

On Friday, my job was getting rid of some samples during spring cleaning. So, a bunch of stuff was up for grabs - for free. I ended up snatching up a brown bag and three scarves. 

However, the weather is working against me. With warmer temps brings a need for replenishing my wardrobe. Sick of wearing the same duds for the past 4 months, I want shoes, dresses and skirts - shed some skin if you will. So the fact that everyone around me is wearing their new finds to work and for a night out - is making me very jealous. 

I did end up making a trip to the park (affectionately known as The Mud Hole in Nutley, NJ) for a little quality time with Harley and my favorite Brit. Another perk of this conquest is finding hidden treasures, like the shoes I'm wearing below, in my closet. They hurt like hell, but I'll sacrifice my feet for fashion.

Outfit:

Cardigan - Express

Striped Tee - Mandee

Belt - H&M

Jeans - Forever 21

Peep Toe Butterfly Shoes - BCBG

Murano Glass ring - gift from my bestie

Necklace - Harajuku Lovers

Luck be a lady

I'm not a big gambler... I stick to losing my money at the slot machines when I go to Atlantic City. Yeah,  you read that right - losing. Being that I don't play poker and I'm not brave enough to risk losing all my money at once at the tables, I stick to the slots. Good thing too, because I only spent $24 at H&M for this dress - and that meant I had more money to spend on my trip. Plus, shoes are a big factor. Ladies, you know what I'm talking bout... I planned ahead and wore these suede mary janes that didn't murder my feet.

Outfit

Dress - H&M

Necklace & bracelet - Mandees

Tights - Target

Shoes - Nine West

So, during a trip with my two besties at Harrah's in Atlantic City, we headed to The Pool - an indoor bubble dome, with, you guessed it, a pool. They add a bunch of mood lights and cabanas, and turn it into one giant safety hazard at night - drunk people walking around the perimeter of a pool. Good, wholesome fun - with the risk of losing your life if you slip and fall into the pool. 

While I lost some of my dough, I think the trip went over well, and not without going home with random stories of the night. Here's some highlights...

That's what she said...

Friday 5

1. Bloglovin'

You can now follow House Of Jeffers on Bloglovin! Click here! Go ahead... you know you want to...

2. Cupcakes that win

A great vegan cupcake shop in Rutherford, N.J., Sweet Avenue Bake Shop, not only makes amazing cupcakes that I'm obsessed with, but they are currently selling Tigerblood cupcakes in honor or Hollywood's favorite nut-job, Charlie Sheen. And the money collected goes to Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, FL.  I'd go to Sweet Avenue any day of the week, really. The variety of confectionery cupcakes they offer is ridiculous... and they taste amazing!

3. Jimmy Eat World touring this summer!

I already have my tickets for the show in June in Montclair, N.J. Oh yeah.

4. Mother Nature giving New Jersey a spring sneak preview.



http://www.flickr.com/photos/photofrenzay

This was the first day in months where I didn't have to wear a jacket, and wore flats comfortably, without freezing. I like the idea of not having to wear a parka till next year... and being able to drive with the windows down.

5. Possibly getting a shirt with this on it:

... that is, if my husband brings one back from his trip this weekend!

Shopping-ologie

Sometimes I get bored and need to change something up. Usually, I'll go shopping but when I'm really in need of some refreshing, I'll get my hair glazed. It was a spur of the moment decision, as I called in the morning and had an appointment set for the afternoon.

The results: A darker brown with a tint of red.

The salon I go to, Bangz (no coincidence to my own) in Montclair, NJ is located near a slue of shops on Church Street, including Urban Outfitters, small jewelry and clothes boutiques, bakeries and the newest, Anthropologie. Going to the salon is just another excuse to shop since they are in close proximity to each other.

Anthropologie is all types of grand, but my three top reasons for going there:

1. It always smells good.

2. I'd live there. Whomever does their decor, I'd like to hire them to revamp my own digs. This particular store has two levels, all of which is decked out in chic housewares and of course, clothes in Anthropologie's signature aesthetic.

I never noticed the books they carry, but wishlist, here I come.

3. The sale rack

While I peruse the entire store, I never miss the sale section. I've had a lot of luck in this part of the store... everything I've ever purchased has been found there. Saturday was no exception. After shuffling through racks, I took my three potentials to the fitting room.

1. Blue cropped overcoat - $39. This color breaks my color barrier in that I don't own anything cobalt blue. The color and shape of the jacket was adorbs, and as you can see, goes well with what I wore that day. The coat's versatility factor was a plus.

2. Butterfly printed tank - $29. The print on this lightweight, cotton tank immediately caught my attention. I adore abstract prints, and being that I'm finished with buying winter clothes, this top also checked off a lot of pluses.

 3. Striped three-quarter sleeve blouse -  $39. Initially, I liked the color and the pintucked bib. But once I tried it on, not so much.

So, which one did I buy? Check back to find out which one made the cut!

Every dog has its day

Outfit

Satin animal print top - Macy's

Skinny jeans - Forever 21

Shoes - Forever 21

Leather bag with brass studs - Primark

Geek glasses - www.80sPurple.com

Winter is having an identity crisis. When I snapped these photos, it was around 60 degrees... non-jacket weather. New Jersey has been hit with a crazy amount of snow this year... and just when it started to melt, and the idea of taking photos outside again in comfortable weather was looming, it snowed again today.

I know many fashion bloggers rely on dresses and skirts to pull off fashionable looks (and I'm all for looking girly), I think denim is the bastard child of street-style and fashion blogging. As big as my proclivity towards skirts and dresses is, taking photos in the cold when it's 24 degrees, there's snow on the ground, and my limbs are freezing doesn't always appeal to me.

Skinny jeans make the rounds 4 out of the 7 days a week with me. While it is a staple in pretty much every gal's closet, it's probably the most versatile garment on the block. You get your money's worth out of it, can pair them with pretty much any sweater, top, vest, button-front and is probably the easiest piece to accessorize. Sometimes accessories clash with a busy skirt. With jeans, they enhance not distract.

Denim is the underdog of fashion blogging, so if I can give it a spotlight more often than not, I'm all for it. 

IFB Pick Me!

I had been planning on attending the Independent Fashion Blogger's Evolving Influence Conference.... until the tickets sold out. Immediately, a wave of disappointment washed over me as the thought of missing Proenza Schouler's key note speech and not being in the mix at a gaggle of panels with fellow bloggers and fashion lovers.

Now, IFB is giving reader's the chance to make a video and possibly, win a ticket! Here's my video - hope you (yes, you, IFB) like it!

Miss Behavin'

Welcome to House of Jeffers! I'm just one of many ladies out there with her own blog... but I have my own sense of fashion and way of looking at the world... so if you're willing to read about the "brand" that is my life and the fashion that consumes it, then read on!

Name: Jen
Location: New Jersey
Age: 29
I've lived in Jersey my entire life. To some, it's dirty. To me, it's got character. I live about 30 mins outside NYC, which is considered a fashion mecca. There's a gaggle of great bloggers from the Empire State, but I have yet to find anyone who has put NJ on the fashion blogger map. <Insert Life Goal #15>.
I live with my British hubby and my feisty Chihuahua, Harley, which you may see from time to time in my photos. Writing is a huge passion of mine, and I've been lucky enough to have my work published in Alternative Press, The Aquarian Weekly, AMP, Chord, Outburn and Substream Music Press, to name a few. I aspired to be a full-time music journalist, but alas, Rolling Stone never called... so I had to turn to Plan B. Tha†'s where fashion came in. Luckily, I landed a job at Barneys New York as a copywriter... and yes, the job is sweet!

I've always been one who was really into fashion. Not so much a designer label whore (I own maybe 5 major designer items). More about coming up with looks and a personal style. Plus, I think you can be a bargain shopper and look just as chic as women in designer duds.

Music is another huge part of my life and has really helped mold me into who I am, and what I wear....

So Writing+Music+Fashion = Me

Here's where the photo aspect of the blog comes into play - my most current look.

This dress had two purposes: Chictopia, and a contest I saw on Refinery29.com.

When this dress arrived, I was overjoyed. Purple is my favorite color, followed by black. Being that the weather is getting colder, I figured the three-quarter sleeves will keep me toasty, and I can probably pair it with a pair of thin tights. The shoes are purely for looks - they aren't comfortable, but they were a steal and yes, I will suffer for fashion. Forever21 is my friend... more of a weakness, really.

• Dress - Forever 21
• Belt - Mandee
• Shoes - Nine West
• Necklace - Sterling silver locket from my mother